The awkwardness is uncomfortable, a little weird. She won't hide from that.

"I am... glad to hear that. I love you too, my friend." She hesitates before reaching out to touch his shoulder. The touch is as friendly as ever, fond. Meant as reassurance nothing has changed between them.

Her hand drops away after a moment, a light attempt at humor falling from her lips. Self deprecation is easy to spin out, easy to rely on to break the awkwardness. "Thank you for at least hearing this old woman out."